The diagnostic value of bronchial provocation testing combined with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in children with chest tightness-variant asthma (CTVA).

BACKGROUND: Chest tightness-variant asthma (CTVA) is a novel atypical asthma characterized by chest tightness as the sole or primary symptom. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of bronchial provocation testing combined with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the diagnosis of CTVA in children. METHODS: This study included 95 children aged 6-14 years with chest tightness as the sole symptom, with a duration of symptoms exceeding 4 weeks. All subjects underwent FeNO measurement, pulmonary function testing, and bronchial provocation testing using the Astograph method. Subjects with positive bronchial provocation testing were classified as the CTVA group, while those with negative results served as the non-CTVA control group. RESULTS: The lung function of children in both groups was normal. The FeNO level in the CTVA group was (22.35 ± 9.91) ppb, significantly higher than the control group (14.85 ± 5.63) ppb, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The value of FeNO in diagnosing CTVA was analyzed using an ROC curve, with an area under the curve of 0.073 (P < 0.05). The optimal cutoff point for diagnosing CTVA using FeNO was determined to be 18.5 ppb, with a sensitivity of 60.3 % and specificity of 77.8 %. There was a negative correlation between FeNO and Dmin as well as PD15 (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: FeNO can serve as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for CTVA, with the optimal cutoff point for diagnosing CTVA being 18.5 ppb. However, FeNO is not a specific diagnostic marker for CTVA and should be used in conjunction with bronchial provocation testing to enhance its diagnostic value.

An uncommon case of congenital thoracic venous anomaly and extracardiac sinus venosus defect in an asymptomatic adult first presenting with brain abscesses: a case report.

Background: Congenital thoracic venous anomalies (CTVAs) with right-to-left shunt constitute an uncommon source of paradoxical embolization in adults. We present a case of a healthy and physically fit individual with a rare asymptomatic anomaly first presenting with brain abscesses after a visit to the dental office; persistent left superior vena cavae (PLSVC) without bridging vein, over-riding right-sided superior vena cavae (RSVC) connected to the left atrium (LA), and an extracardiac sinus venosus defect. Case summary: A 29-year-old male presented to the neurosurgical unit due to intracranial abscesses requiring intervention following a visit to his dentist. The abscess cultures isolated bacteria commonly found in the normal oral flora. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an enlarged coronary sinus consistent with PLSVC. An agitated saline study was performed and raised suspicion of simultaneous extra- and intracardiac shunting. Magnetic resonance angiography confirmed the presence of a PLSVC and revealed an RSVC connected to the LA; however, no intracardiac shunt was evident. Electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography was therefore conducted and discovered the rudimentary remains of the physiologic RSVC forming a connection to the right atrium, explaining the bilateral contrast loading seen on the agitated saline study and diagnosing an extracardiac sinus venosus defect (SVD). The patient recovered and has been referred for surgery. Discussion: This case illustrates a CTVA and a forme fruste type SVD resulting in a severe complication in a healthy adult. We highlight the diagnostic challenges posed, suggest early usage of agitated saline studies, and discuss the rationale for surgical correction of this patient.

Timectomía videotoracoscópica en miastenia gravis: técnica quirúrgica y experiencia inicial / Thymectomy in myasthenia gravis thoracic: surgical technique and initial experience

Introducción: Desde la década del 40 se reconoce el beneficio de la timectomía en el tratamiento de la miastenia gravis. La misma se realizó tradicionalmente por esternotomía o cervicotomía. La videotoracoscopia permite la extirpación tímica con menor agresión quirúrgica y recuperación más temprana. Material y Métodos: En los últimos 4 años se realizó un total de 14 timectomía por videotoracoscopia a pacientes portadores de miastenia gravis. Los pacientes eran 11 mujeres y 3 varones, con una edad media de 34,1 años, con un rango entre 16 y 53 años. En todos los casos se realizó mediante videotoracoscopía de 3 trocares, con acceso por hemitorax derecho. Resultados: Se realizó timectomía total exclusivamente toracoscópica en todos los casos, sin conversiones ni reoperaciones. Un solo paciente requirió ARM posterior menor a 4hs de postoperatorio, en 4 pacientes se extubó en UTI durante las 2 hs de postoperatorio y los 9 restantes salieron sin tubo endotraqueal de quirófano. La mortalidad postoperatoria fue nula. Conclusiones: la timectomía videotoracoscópica es útil en el tratamiento de la miastenia gravis y tiene como ventaja una mejor recuperación del paciente, y una mejor visión quirúrgica, que redunda en menor morbimortalidad quirúrgica.

Introduction: From the 40 recognized the benefit of thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. The same was done traditionally by sternotomy or neck incision. VATS allows removal thymic less aggressive surgery and early recovery. Material and Methods: In the last 4 years was a total of 14 video-assisted thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis. Patients were 11 women and 3 men, mean age of 34.1 years, ranging between 16 and 53 years. In all cases was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopy of 3 trocars, accessible by right hemithorax. Results: We performed thoracoscopic thymectomy only com­plete in all cases without conversion or reoperation. One patient required subsequent ARM less than 4 hrs after surgery in 4 patients were extubated in the ICU during the 2 hrs after surgery and the remaining 9 endotracheal tube left without surgery. Postoperative mortality was nil. Conclusions: VATS thymectomy is useful in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and has the advantage of better patient recovery, and better surgical view, resulting in less surgical morbidity.

Timectomía videotoracoscópica en miastenia gravis: técnica quirúrgica y experiencia inicial / Thymectomy in myasthenia gravis thoracic: surgical technique and initial experience

Introducción: Desde la década del 40 se reconoce el beneficio de la timectomía en el tratamiento de la miastenia gravis. La misma se realizó tradicionalmente por esternotomía o cervicotomía. La videotoracoscopia permite la extirpación tímica con menor agresión quirúrgica y recuperación más temprana. Material y Métodos: En los últimos 4 años se realizó un total de 14 timectomía por videotoracoscopia a pacientes portadores de miastenia gravis. Los pacientes eran 11 mujeres y 3 varones, con una edad media de 34,1 años, con un rango entre 16 y 53 años. En todos los casos se realizó mediante videotoracoscopía de 3 trocares, con acceso por hemitorax derecho. Resultados: Se realizó timectomía total exclusivamente toracoscópica en todos los casos, sin conversiones ni reoperaciones. Un solo paciente requirió ARM posterior menor a 4hs de postoperatorio, en 4 pacientes se extubó en UTI durante las 2 hs de postoperatorio y los 9 restantes salieron sin tubo endotraqueal de quirófano. La mortalidad postoperatoria fue nula. Conclusiones: la timectomía videotoracoscópica es útil en el tratamiento de la miastenia gravis y tiene como ventaja una mejor recuperación del paciente, y una mejor visión quirúrgica, que redunda en menor morbimortalidad quirúrgica.(AU)

Introduction: From the 40 recognized the benefit of thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. The same was done traditionally by sternotomy or neck incision. VATS allows removal thymic less aggressive surgery and early recovery. Material and Methods: In the last 4 years was a total of 14 video-assisted thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis. Patients were 11 women and 3 men, mean age of 34.1 years, ranging between 16 and 53 years. In all cases was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopy of 3 trocars, accessible by right hemithorax. Results: We performed thoracoscopic thymectomy only com¡plete in all cases without conversion or reoperation. One patient required subsequent ARM less than 4 hrs after surgery in 4 patients were extubated in the ICU during the 2 hrs after surgery and the remaining 9 endotracheal tube left without surgery. Postoperative mortality was nil. Conclusions: VATS thymectomy is useful in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and has the advantage of better patient recovery, and better surgical view, resulting in less surgical morbidity.(AU)

Timectomía videotoracoscópica en miastenia gravis: técnica quirúrgica y experiencia inicial / Thymectomy in myasthenia gravis thoracic: surgical technique and initial experience

Introducción: Desde la década del 40 se reconoce el beneficio de la timectomía en el tratamiento de la miastenia gravis. La misma se realizó tradicionalmente por esternotomía o cervicotomía. La videotoracoscopia permite la extirpación tímica con menor agresión quirúrgica y recuperación más temprana. Material y Métodos: En los últimos 4 años se realizó un total de 14 timectomía por videotoracoscopia a pacientes portadores de miastenia gravis. Los pacientes eran 11 mujeres y 3 varones, con una edad media de 34,1 años, con un rango entre 16 y 53 años. En todos los casos se realizó mediante videotoracoscopía de 3 trocares, con acceso por hemitorax derecho. Resultados: Se realizó timectomía total exclusivamente toracoscópica en todos los casos, sin conversiones ni reoperaciones. Un solo paciente requirió ARM posterior menor a 4hs de postoperatorio, en 4 pacientes se extubó en UTI durante las 2 hs de postoperatorio y los 9 restantes salieron sin tubo endotraqueal de quirófano. La mortalidad postoperatoria fue nula. Conclusiones: la timectomía videotoracoscópica es útil en el tratamiento de la miastenia gravis y tiene como ventaja una mejor recuperación del paciente, y una mejor visión quirúrgica, que redunda en menor morbimortalidad quirúrgica.(AU)

Introduction: From the 40 recognized the benefit of thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. The same was done traditionally by sternotomy or neck incision. VATS allows removal thymic less aggressive surgery and early recovery. Material and Methods: In the last 4 years was a total of 14 video-assisted thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis. Patients were 11 women and 3 men, mean age of 34.1 years, ranging between 16 and 53 years. In all cases was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopy of 3 trocars, accessible by right hemithorax. Results: We performed thoracoscopic thymectomy only com­plete in all cases without conversion or reoperation. One patient required subsequent ARM less than 4 hrs after surgery in 4 patients were extubated in the ICU during the 2 hrs after surgery and the remaining 9 endotracheal tube left without surgery. Postoperative mortality was nil. Conclusions: VATS thymectomy is useful in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and has the advantage of better patient recovery, and better surgical view, resulting in less surgical morbidity.(AU)